CiroFerrara is already looking forward to Sampdoria’s season opener against Milan. “I want a warrior side.”

The Blucerchiati begin their campaign on the weekend of August 25-26 with the Rossoneri.

“So far in pre-season training we have focused on fitness work, but now we will concentrate on the ball and speed, so the legs will be less heavy,” said the former Italy Under-21 Coach.

“It’s a shame Juan Antonio is still carrying that injury from last season, but I have versatile players like NenadKrsticic who can play wide in a 4-3-3.”

Samp face another issue with Andrea Poli, who has been heavily linked with Juventus after returning from his loan spell at Inter.

“As of today he is our player and will therefore be treated like all the others. Over the next few days we’ll speak to the club and above all to Poli and understand what it is he wants. He remains scrupulous in his work and determined to do well, so we are talking about a very important player tactically.”

The Blucerchiati are newly-promoted from Serie B and begin their campaign against the Serie A runners-up.

“It is certainly a big test and we are going into an important stadium like San Siro against the side that came so close to the Scudetto. It is going to be difficult, but we certainly won’t make it easy for Milan either.

“The first thing I want to see from my team is toughness, a group that does not give in and to the very end battles away. I always had the feeling that fans appreciate this level of effort and that is what I expect from my lads – a warrior side.”